Most Common Mental Health Problems to Co-Occur with Substance Use Disorder

When someone experiences a substance use disorder, they often have an increased risk of developing co-occurring mental health problems. Several mental health conditions are commonly associated with substance use disorders.

The most common co-occurring disorders for SUDs are depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, personality disorders, and eating disorders.

ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often co-occurs with substance use disorders, particularly among adolescents and young adults. People with ADHD may misuse substances as a way to self-regulate their attention and impulsivity. However, substance abuse only exacerbates the symptoms of ADHD and causes further impairment of their cognitive functioning.

Certain personality disorders can also coexist with substance use disorders. Examples include borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder. These disorders are characterized by difficulties in regulating emotions, impulse control, and maintaining stable relationships.

Substance abuse may be a form of self-destructive behavior or an attempt to cope with emotional dysregulation.

It is also quite common for people with an eating disorder to start using substances to suppress their appetite, control their weight, or cope with body image issues. Substance abuse can worsen the physical and psychological consequences of eating disorders.

It’s worth noting that co-occurring mental health disorders and substance use disorders can interact and complicate treatment. Integrated treatment approaches that address both conditions simultaneously tend to yield better outcomes. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues, it’s crucial to seek professional help from qualified healthcare providers or addiction specialists.

Now let’s talk about depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and PTSD—which are even more common among people with substance use disorders.

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities they used to enjoy. This mental health problem affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It can cause emotional and physical symptoms that can significantly impact daily functioning.

It’s important to know what signs and symptoms to watch out for if you think someone you love is dealing with depression.

Common symptoms of depression include: persistent sadness, anxiety, feelings of emptiness, fatigue, changes in appetite, weight loss or gain, sleep disturbances, restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

A depressed individual may have excessive feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or self-blame. Depression is not the same as feeling down or just being sad because of the ups and downs of life. It is a prolonged state of low mood that interferes with your daily life.

Depression and drug abuse can often coexist and have a complex relationship. While not everyone who experiences depression turns to drug abuse, it’s not uncommon for individuals with depression to turn to substances as a means of coping or self-medication.

Some people may use drugs as a way to alleviate the symptoms of depression temporarily. Drugs can provide a temporary escape or relief from emotional pain, although the relief is often short-lived and only serves to make things worse.

Depression and drug abuse share certain risk factors such as genetic predisposition, brain chemistry imbalances, environmental factors, childhood trauma, or a history of abuse. These factors can contribute to the development of both conditions.

When these two conditions co-occur, they tend to worsen each other’s effects, making it more severe and more overwhelming for the individual. Drug abuse can also lead to impaired cognitive functioning, decreased motivation, and poor decision-making skills, which can further contribute to the development of depressive symptoms.

Substance abuse, particularly in conjunction with depression, can significantly increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This is a critical concern and requires immediate attention.

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive and persistent feelings of fear, worry, and apprehension. Similar to depression, this is not your ordinary feeling of worry. Anxiety involves overwhelming feelings of worry that often do not reflect the actual state of things. The person thinks too much about a certain thing that is not necessarily as important or as impactful as they believe.

These feelings can interfere with daily life, affecting various aspects such as work, school, relationships, and overall well-being.

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including: generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder or social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and separation anxiety disorder. Even post-traumatic stress disorder is considered a type of anxiety disorder.

People with anxiety may experience symptoms of more than one disorder simultaneously. But the good news is that anxiety disorders are treatable using various approaches.

It only gets tricky when anxiety disorders co-occur with substance use disorders. They can often coexist and leave a significant impact on the person’s mental health. The relationship between anxiety disorders and SUD is complex and bidirectional, with each condition potentially influencing and exacerbating the other.

Individuals with anxiety disorders may use substances such as alcohol, marijuana, or drugs to cope with their anxiety symptoms. They might find temporary relief from their anxious thoughts or physical sensations when using these substances. However, self-medication can lead to a vicious cycle of increased anxiety and drug dependence

Just like depression, anxiety disorders and SUD share certain underlying risk factors, including genetics, neurochemical imbalances, and environmental factors.

Another interesting thing about anxiety is that it can actually arise as a withdrawal symptom of drug and alcohol abuse. Whenever a drug dependent or alcohol dependent person tries to reduce their intake or quit the substance altogether, anxiety is one of the potential withdrawal symptoms that they can experience. This can make it much harder for the person to quit as they feel like they need to take the substance again just to alleviate their anxiety.

Substance use can increase anxiety levels in the long run. While substances may provide temporary relief, their impact on the brain and body can ultimately lead to increased anxiety symptoms, even in individuals without a pre-existing anxiety disorder.

Bipolar disorder used to be referred to as manic-depressive illness. It is a mental health condition that is characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy levels, and activity levels.

People with bipolar disorder experience periods of intense emotional highs, called manic or hypomanic episodes, and periods of deep sadness or depression. These mood episodes can last for days, weeks, or even months.

During manic episodes, individuals may feel highly energized, euphoric, or irritable. They may have a reduced need for sleep, engage in impulsive or risky behaviors, have racing thoughts, and exhibit rapid speech.

On the other hand, depressive episodes are marked by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, and even thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition that requires lifelong management, but with proper treatment, people with bipolar disorder can lead fulfilling lives. The exact causes of bipolar disorder are not fully understood, but a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors is believed to contribute to its development.

Just like other mental health disorders, bipolar disorder can co-occur with substance use disorders. This comorbidity can present unique challenges for those who have both conditions.

People with bipolar disorder are at a higher risk of developing substance use issues compared to the general population. It is estimated that approximately 40-60% of individuals with bipolar disorder will experience a co-occurring substance use disorder at some point in their lives.

It is common for those with bipolar disorder to turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with the intense mood swings and symptoms of the disorder. Unfortunately, this only worsens their symptoms in the long run.

Drugs and alcohol can disrupt sleep patterns, destabilize mood states, and even trigger episodes of mania or depression. For people receiving treatment for their bipolar disorder, drugs and alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of their psychiatric medications.

The presence of both bipolar disorder and SUD can complicate treatment approaches. It is crucial to address both conditions simultaneously, as treating one without considering the other may lead to poor outcomes. Integrated treatment programs that involve mental health care and substance abuse treatment have been found to be the most effective.

If you or someone you know is struggling with bipolar disorder and substance use disorder, it is crucial to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment recommendations to address both conditions effectively.

PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. It can affect people of all ages and can develop following various types of traumatic experiences such as military combat, natural disasters, accidents, physical or sexual assault, or witnessing a life-threatening event.

The symptoms of PTSD can be categorized into four main clusters: intrusive thoughts, avoidance, negative mood, and hyperarousal.

People with PTSD may experience recurrent, distressing memories or nightmares related to the traumatic event. They may also have intrusive flashbacks where they feel as if they are reliving the trauma. These intrusive thoughts can be triggered by certain reminders or cues associated with the event.

Because of this, they often try to avoid situations, places, people, or activities that remind them of the traumatic event. They may withdraw from social interactions, isolate themselves, or avoid discussing the event. They may also have difficulties recalling important aspects of the trauma.

PTSD can lead to negative thoughts and beliefs about oneself or others. Individuals may experience persistent feelings of fear, anger, guilt, shame, or sadness. They may also exhibit increased levels of anxiety and hyperarousal. They may have difficulty sleeping and be constantly on guard. They are irritable and easily startled.

These symptoms can interfere with daily functioning and significantly impact quality of life. But even worse, it can also co-occur with SUDs which also come with a variety of physical and mental health challenges.

There is a strong relationship between PTSD and SUD. Many individuals with PTSD turn to substances as a way to cope with their symptoms, temporarily alleviating distress or numbing emotional pain. Just like all the other co-occurring disorders, this only leads to even bigger problems down the line.

Moreover, substances can worsen the symptoms of PTSD and interfere with the recovery process. They can exacerbate anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances associated with PTSD, making it more challenging for patients to manage their symptoms effectively.

Substance use can even impair judgment and increase the risk of engaging in risky behaviors, potentially retraumatizing or creating new traumatic experiences.

Treating both PTSD and SUD concurrently is essential for optimal recovery. Integrated treatment approaches address both disorders simultaneously, recognizing their interconnection and addressing underlying factors. This approach typically involves psychotherapy, medications, and support groups.

Dual diagnosis refers to the co-occurrence of a substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health disorder. Treating individuals with dual diagnosis requires an integrated approach that addresses both conditions simultaneously. Here are some common treatment approaches for dual diagnosis:

Comprehensive Assessment: A thorough evaluation is conducted to assess the severity and specific needs of each disorder. This helps in developing an individualized treatment plan.

Integrated Treatment: Integrated treatment involves addressing both the substance use disorder and mental health disorder concurrently, rather than separately. This approach recognizes the interplay between the two conditions and aims to provide comprehensive care.

Medication: Medications may be prescribed to manage mental health symptoms, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or mood stabilizers. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may also be used for substance use disorders, particularly for opioid or alcohol dependence.

Psychotherapy: Various forms of psychotherapy are effective in treating dual diagnosis, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and group therapy. These therapies help individuals develop coping strategies, improve emotional regulation, and address underlying issues contributing to both disorders.

Supportive Services: Individuals with dual diagnosis often benefit from additional support services, such as case management, vocational rehabilitation, housing assistance, and peer support groups. These services can help address practical needs and enhance overall treatment outcomes.

Dual Diagnosis Support Groups: Participating in support groups specifically designed for individuals with dual diagnosis can be beneficial. These groups provide a supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences, gain insights from others facing similar challenges, and receive guidance from trained facilitators.

Lifestyle Changes: Encouraging healthy lifestyle modifications, including regular exercise, adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques, can contribute to overall well-being and support recovery.

Relapse Prevention: Dual diagnosis treatment should include relapse prevention strategies. This involves developing skills to identify triggers, cope with cravings, and prevent relapse for both the substance use disorder and the mental health disorder.

The exact treatment methods may vary from one person to another because of the complexity of a dual diagnosis. Dealing with addiction on its own is difficult enough. Having to deal with another mental illness on top of that can be overwhelming.

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues, look for a rehab near you today.

Treatment is an addicted individualʼs best option if they want to recover. Beating an addiction not only requires eliminating the physical dependence, but also addressing the behavioral factors that prevent them from wanting to get better. Simply quitting may not change the psychological aspect of addiction. Some people quit for a while, and then take drugs or alcohol again, only to overdose because they did not detox properly. Recovery involves changing the way the patient feels, thinks, and behaves.